MS Educational Leadership

Master of Science Educational Leadership

Degree Overview

Our online education leadership master’s degree will put you in an excellent position to take leadership of your own school. The M.S. in Educational Leadership will prepare you for certification to become a principal, vice principal, or assistant principal. You will become a highly effective, instruction-based, certified principal.

This program is not accepted in these states

Who the program is for:

• Experienced, licensed classroom teachers who are interested in becoming school principals.
• Individuals who can typically spend 15 or more hours per week on their studies.

Note: WGU is the first exclusively online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure, a testament to the fact that WGU graduates "have the knowledge and skills to be effective in helping all students learn."

This program will be flexible and adaptable to your schedule. Click here to learn more about how your program works.

What You’ll Learn -- Areas of Study:

In this online education leadership degree, you’ll learn all the essential skills and knowledge needed. This program includes one domain of study and completion of a capstone project.

Educational Leadership

Total Program: 40 Competency Units (credit equivalents)

Note: This program is based on multiple philosophies, including that of the principal as the instructional team leader, the standards of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC), and the principles of the Baldrige National Quality Program's Education Criteria for Performance Excellence.

More details about your challenging course of study

View the Program Guide (PDF)

Answers to your questions
Click a question, see the answer below.

• Will my state recognize my degree?
• How will I complete my degree?
• Is financial aid available?

Will my state recognize my degree?

Yes. The WGU Teachers College currently serves over 8,000 students throughout the United States. Our master’s degrees are accepted as innovative, leading-edge, credible programs. All teaching programs at WGU are also NCATE-accredited. Speak to an Enrollment Counselor for more details. You can also learn more about WGU’s Student Success and Performance Data.

How will I complete my degree?

As a WGU student you will combine the knowledge you already possess with online courses and independent learning resources to prepare for rigorous assessments that measure your progress in the program. Together with your mentor, you will develop a Degree Plan based upon your personal strengths and weaknesses. You can learn more by exploring the WGU Experience. Speak to an Enrollment Counselor who can explain the program in more depth.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, WGU offers federal financial aid. Loans are available to most students, regardless of financial need, and grants that don’t requirement repayment are available for those with financial need. You can check into your financial aid eligibility at any time during the admissions process. Learn more from an Enrollment Counselor or visit the Financial Aid section of the website.